THE drummer with Scottish supergroup Travis scored a huge hit with children at Sandgate School by donating platinum discs to help raise money for their new playground, reports Rachel Kitchen.

Neil Primrose, his wife Esther and their two children, who live locally, have been following the Let the Children Play appeal through the pages of The Westmorland Gazette, and decided they wanted to help.

Staff and pupils at the Kendal school for youngsters with special physical and learning needs were thrilled to receive the framed collection of eight platinum discs which were given to Neil by record label Independiente to recognise sales of more than 2.4 million for top-selling album The Man Who.

Festival favourites Travis were voted Best British Band at this year's Brit Awards, and their melodic hits include Sing, Driftwood and Why Does It Always Rain on Me?

Drummer Neil's wife comes from the Lancaster area, and the couple were married at Leighton Hall, near Carnforth.

Sandgate' s head teacher Tom Robson told the Gazette: "Neil Primrose obviously has been following the story with his family in your paper, and felt they would like to contribute to the project, and he's kindly donated this.

"It's a tremendous thrill for the children at school who all know their records, and can sing the songs."

Staff at Sandgate have yet to decide whether to run a raffle for the platinum discs and two signed Travis albums, or to auction them later this year.

All proceeds will go towards the school's ambitious project to transform their bleak, rundown tarmac playground into a safe and colourful play haven for pupils of all abilities.

Last November the Gazette launched an appeal to raise just over £30,000 to buy a Playmaker packed with features to help nurture the children's senses and help them to reach their full potential.

So far readers have donated more than £8,000.